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Conversion occurs from the inside out….
Grace changes our hearts and our actions follow…
Redecorating the outside only reshuffles the confusion…
And the need for change.
“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God” Joel 2:13a
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“Take care to maintain peace and tranquility in your heart; let the waves toss and churn all around your boat, but fear not, because God is there and as a result, salvation.” Francis de Sales
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
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Let our charity be courageous…
A smile in a crowd of stony faces,
A kind word let loose in the air of judgment.
Let our charity be courageous…
A gentle touch in a violent world,
Salt in all that has lost its flavor,
Let our charity be courageous…
Light in the shadows of darkness,
Life in a culture of death.
Let our CHARITY be COURAGEOUS!
“Love never fails” 1 Cor 13:8a
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“It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead. I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling in Christ Jesus. ” Phil 3:12-14
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Holiness is an Everyday YES…
In the midst of life’s ups and downs.
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Make us today preachers of the Resurrection by Your Light in our lives.
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Through wordly eyes we see fragmented bits and pieces of a person…
But to “heart-know” as God sees…
We see instead a blend of all that was…all that is…and all that could be…
the broken…the open…the healed…
in a whirl of beauty that strikes one’s own heart with the words of Jesus….
“Father, they are your gift to me.” (John 17:24)
Mercy the eyes searching down into the valley for any sign of return…
Mercy the eyes of love awaiting.
Mercy the ears attuned to the cry of souls drowning in their stench…
Mercy the ears of love listening.
Mercy the lips inhaling/exhaling the names of the lost ones…
Mercy the lips of love calling.
Mercy the feet trudging through the ditch to rescue the bondaged …
Mercy the feet of love running.
Mercy the arms of strength magnificent lifting in resurrection the lifeless souls…
Mercy the arms of love lifting.
Mercy the embrace of extravagant love wrapping the broken in wholeness and healing…
Mercy the embrace of love encircling.
Mercy the love that invites us home.
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We read in Matthew chapter 2 that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, King Herod, fearing for his throne, ordered that all the male infants of Bethlehem be killed. These children are regarded as martyrs for the Gospel.
A Prayer to the Holy Innocents
Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for all children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.
Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.
Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.
Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.
Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.
Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God’s love forever.
Amen.
(author of prayer unknown)
Let every moment of my day…
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Overflow with Your Love.
todaysdailyword.blogspot.com
And may this Love…
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Become a wellspring for others.
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“You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Ps 23:5b
Bountiful blessings on your weekend!
through Him with Him in Him... 